How to backup files to tape?

[Kevin.Wang]

I use DDS3 tape driver,
# ioscan -funC tape
Class I H/W Path Driver S/W State H/W Type Description
=====================================================================
tape 0 0/0/1/0.6.0 stape CLAIMED DEVICE HP C1537A
/dev/rmt/0m /dev/rmt/c0t6d0BESTn
/dev/rmt/0mb /dev/rmt/c0t6d0BESTnb
/dev/rmt/0mn /dev/rmt/c0t6d0DDS
/dev/rmt/0mnb /dev/rmt/c0t6d0DDSb
/dev/rmt/c0t6d0BEST /dev/rmt/c0t6d0DDSn
/dev/rmt/c0t6d0BESTb /dev/rmt/c0t6d0DDSnb
#
# fbackup -f /dev/rmt/0m -0i /oradata
fbackup(1004): session begins on Wed Nov 19 12:40:44 2003
fbackup(3038): output file /dev/rmt/0m is not a valid device file for backup
fbackup(3019): would you like to enter a new output file?
n
fbackup(3022): would you like to continue this session?
n
fbackup(3004): writer aborting
fbackup(1002): Backup did not complete : Reader or Writer process exit
#

why can't i backup /oradata to tape?

[Rajeev Shukla]

it could be that the tape is faulty try using another tape or the drive could be faulty.
Check the tape by rewinding etc..like
mt -t /dev/rmt/0m rew
mt -t /dev/rmt/0m stat
take a small tar backup on the tape. If none work with a new tape also it could be you'r drive problem.

[Steven E. Protter]

ll /dev/rmt/0m

Perhaps the device file got whacked.

If so, rm whats there and insf -e will rebuild it.

Another usual problem. The write protection tab on the tape is locked.

SEP

[Adisuria Wangsadinata_1]

Hi there,

Please try to re-create special (device) files first by running the command below :

# insf -e

After that please try to backup /oradata directory using fbackup command :

# fbackup -vf /dev/rmt/0m -i /oradata

Hope this information can help you.

Best Regards,
AW

[Suresh Patoria]

Hi,

First thing use the following command to find device

#ioscan -fnC tape

If it is showing correct then use the command

#fbackup -f /dev/rmtn/#m -i /oradata

Still it is not working then it might be any tape drive problem

Thanx

[Keith Bevan_1]

Hi,

The ioscan appears normal so the device is claimed, so it may be a corrupt device file.

Follow the advice previously give on re-creating the device file and then repate the ioscan.

If the ioscan works then pop a tape into the drive (make sure its not write-protected and the drive does not require cleaning) and then try this :-

mt -t /dev/rmt/0m rewind

If this works then you should be able to backup oradata

Keith